Editorial

Some 40 percent of land in Bedford County is farmland, according to the most recent census by the U.S. Census of Agriculture.

But that is a shrinking figure.

From 1997 to 2002 the county lost 8,000 acres, almost 4 percent, of its farmland. Over that same time the county lost 165 farms, 11 percent of its total, which is well above the state average. Across the state, during that five-year period, Virginia lost 1.5 percent of its farmland and 3.6 percent of its farms.

A new census is due to be taken and those figures are expected to continue the trend.

Some 40 percent of land in Bedford County is farmland, according to the most recent census by the U.S. Census of Agriculture.

But that is a shrinking figure.

From 1997 to 2002 the county lost 8,000 acres, almost 4 percent, of its farmland. Over that same time the county lost 165 farms, 11 percent of its total, which is well above the state average. Across the state, during that five-year period, Virginia lost 1.5 percent of its farmland and 3.6 percent of its farms.

A new census is due to be taken and those figures are expected to continue the trend.

Recently, there was a “Values Voters” Summit held in Washington, D.C. According to press coverage, none of the Republican presidential candidates who showed up made much of a showing. “Values voters,” of course, refers to the Christian right, as though no one else has values but them.

The truth is, one vote does count.

Just ask current Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell. McDonnell claims he won by an average of one seventh of one vote per precinct in 2005.

And a current candidate also knows the power of one vote as well. In Laura Rodes? first run at the school board, she lost by one vote.

That?s why everyone registered to vote currently in Bedford and Bedford County should turn out this Tuesday, Nov. 6, and cast their ballot ? even in those elections with only one candidate running.